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Last Updated: Apr 23, 2017 - 5:20:52 PM |
 EXUMA, Bahamas - Remarks by Honorable Dr. Hubert Minnis Leader of the Free National Movement
Exuma Rally Saturday 22 April 2017
F-N-Ms, FNMs. FNMs:
All over the country Bahamians are saying:
It’s the People’s Time!
It’s the People’s Time!
What time is it Exuma?
What time is it?
It is also time for change.
FNMs:
Let me tell you something. The PLP is not really a political party alone. They are a business club who use politics to serve the corrupt interests of a very few.
We now see that Jerome Fitzgerald wasn’t telling the truth about trying to do business at Baha Mar while he was negotiating on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas. He first denied this but the truth has come out. He should be fired for what he did. But since Perry won’t fire him we need to fire all of them.
Did Christie know about what Jerome was doing at Baha Mar? You know, some other senior PLP’s have family business connections at Baha Mar, including Allyson Maynard Gibson. Isn’t it something that the man who read other people’s emails on the floor of the House has had his own emails leaked? What goes around comes around.
Brothers and Sisters:
I want Exuma to be a part of the wave of change that is moving across our land from MICAL in the south to Grand Bahama in the north. The PLP is in panic mode. They are getting ready to play their dirty tricks in order to steal this election from us.
We must be vigilant. We cannot let our guard down. The FNM is prepared for battle. I am prepared for battle. Like my campaign song says: “I have a soldier’s heart!”
Exuma:
The FNM is going to be the next government of The Bahamas. I want Exuma to be with the FNM when we win the government. The PLP has neglected you for years. Why don’t you give the FNM a chance? We will serve you well.
There is so much to be done in Exuma. Many of you are deeply concerned about the George Town hospital. There are issues regarding proper equipment, adequate staff, and fulfilling pharmaceutical needs. The closure of other clinics, like the Steventon Clinic, means that many people have to drive for miles for minor medical issues. There is a need for improved dental care, and to increase the frequency of doctor visits to the cays. As a doctor and as the former Minister of Health, your health care needs will be front and center in my government.
The PLP continues to neglect your infrastructure needs. Many of your roads and verges are in terrible shape. Exuma, like other Family Islands, can only be developed if it has the proper infrastructure. The right infrastructure will help in the development of tourism and the lucrative second home market, which helps to significantly boost the economy of Exuma.
There are a number of stalled investments in Exuma under the PLP. They are in the habit of wanting something from investors in order for a project to move forward. An FNM Government will work to revitalize these projects, without asking investors for a cut or a certain percentage. Exumians want to work. A new FNM government will work hard to bring investment, jobs and economic opportunity to Exuma. I understand that your straw market is in need of a new site and a dedicated structure. We will have to work on this.
The Exuma international Airport is in great need of a new terminal, expanded areas for customs and immigration, a much baggage claim area, and a proper lot and structure. Given the tourism properties here and the potential of Exuma, your airport does not serve your needs.
The FNM is going to fix this. You have an excellent candidate in Navarro Bowe. He’s a very capable young Bahamian who will serve you well. The PLP made you all kinds of promises they didn’t keep. They did nothing. Now at election time, they are promising you more of the same. Child please!!!
Tell them what they can do with them promises. When they talk there foolishness again, tell them: Not Again! Not Again! Oh God, no, Not Again!
Exuma!!!
Because the FNM believes in the people, we will reform and modernize local government. The FNM will:
- Amend existing legislation and policies to enhance and increase the authority of Family Islands Local Government.
- We will work to enhance small business opportunities, including: heritage and cultural tourism, cooperatives and small farm holdings, boutique resorts and other such enterprises in the Family Islands.
The FNM will empower each island to establish “committees to draft their own overall development plan in the context of The Bahamas National Development Plan.”
Exuma:
Because the PLP keeps telling false stories about me, let me tell you a little bit about my story. Let me tell you about my Bahamian journey. My story is not much different than most Bahamians. Unlike Christie, I didn’t come from privilege. I’m not begrudging anyone born with a certain level of privilege. But the truth is that Cotton Candy Christie never really had to work hard in life.
I wasn’t born into privilege – but I had the privilege of being born in The Bahamas, where dreams can come true. The other privilege I had was a hard working mother who had big dreams for me. Because my mother had to work so hard, my older sister took care of me. She grew me up.
It is the mothers, grandmothers, aunties and big sisters to whom we all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude. They are the foundation and rock for so many Bahamians. My big sister passed away some years ago. I wish my mother and sister were here today, still I miss them dearly. I stand on their shoulders. Just as I stand on their shoulders, I want the current and next generation of young Bahamians to stand on my shoulders.
I will fight for young people the way others fought for me. I will never forgotten from whence I came. Unlike Perry Christie, I will be the people’s prime minister.
Brothers and Sisters:
When people say that they came from nothing, I understand what they’re trying to say. But it isn’t accurate. We all come from something. We are all children of God. We come from a people and a family. Many of us are the descendants of slaves like Pompey, your native son, who survived and struggled to be free.
The people of The Bahamas came from all over the world, bringing with them their history and culture, to make One Bahamas. We are a multiracial and diverse society, both of which give us our richness and our strength.
I grew Over-the-Hill in Nassau. I remember my neighbors coming from all over The Bahamas, including Andros. I went to Our Lady’s Catholic Church as a boy. My mentors showed me that a young man from my background, born before Majority Rule, could aspire to and accomplish big things.
My mother taught me that just because you come from a modest background, doesn’t mean you can’t have big dreams. She made her mind up that I was going to St. Augustine’s College. When my mother made her mind up, that was the end of the story. I remember when she heard I was accepted. She was overjoyed. But we didn’t have money to pay the school fees, so I had to go to work. I learned early in life that when you dream big, you also have to work hard. To pay for school, I sold The Guardian in the morning and The Tribune in the evening. I sold Bahamian Times, which was the newspaper of the PLP and the struggle for Majority Rule. I worked two days at a tailor shop. I shined shoes on the weekend. I pumped gas. I learned early the dignity in honest hard work. I understand the struggles and the stories of those striving for a better life.
If I am so honoured, every day that I will go to work as your prime minister, my decisions will be guided by these stories and struggles.
FNMs!!!
Christie thinks he was born with a silver tongue. The truth is that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Christie thinks that he is entitled to rule for as long as he wants. The PLP’s high commands are arrogant elitists who feel a sense of entitlement. They think that only certain people from certain backgrounds can aspire to lead our Bahamas. They think they are better than me and you. They don’t think you and me should even have certain dreams. They believe that only certain well-connected people should have access to certain opportunities. Well – I have news for them.
Brothers and sisters:
This campaign is a struggle between their narrow vision for themselves, and my bold and big vision on behalf of all Bahamians, regardless of circumstance of birth and background. I am fighting for all Bahamians, including the poor and the disadvantaged. I am fighting so that all Bahamians are a part of big dream for The Bahamas.
The FNM’s vision and dream is about quality education, quality health care and quality affordable housing. Our vision is about economic opportunity and a good quality of life. Christie and PLP destroyed the dreams of thousands of Bahamians. I want to restore the hopes and dreams of those who have lost hope and confidence in a better Bahamas in which their Bahamian dreams can come true.
My dream is for all Bahamians because:
It’s the Peoples Time!
It’s The People’s Time!
It’s The People’s Time.
I ask for your support and that you send your native son Navarro Bowe to the House of Assembly.
God bless the wonderful people of Exuma. God bless our Bahamaland.
Thank you and good night.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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